Perhaps its the confident direction of Harold Zwart, whose previous output can be described as patchy at best (Pink Panther 2, anyone?), or the world weary presence of a sombre Jackie Chan. Maybe it's the precocious Jaden Smith, an actor with confidence and naturalism, possessing the same gift for holding center stage that has made his father one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.
Whatever the reason, Karate Kid 2010 doesn't suck, and this fact should be celebrated. Two beloved 80s institutions are being 're-imagined' this year, one is everyones favourite mercs on a far fetched mission show, The A-Team. The other is The Karate Kid, a movie that has inspired countless children to break numerous limbs while trying the crane stance. So, what happened when they changed Mr. Miyagi and Daniel San to Mr. Han and Dre? The answer is, thankfully, not much.
This time the westerner goes to the east and, after a swift beating by the local martial arts acolytes, is taken under the wing of a quiet caretaker and taught the ways of Kung-Fu, readying him for the big tournament showdown.
The story in KK2010 doesn't even attempt anything original, instead sticking to that tried and tested underdog comes good archetype and focusing on some decent character development instead. Chan is the stand out here, his stoic Mr. Han gives off a air of experience that easily matches his predecessor, only Jackie Chan could make 'Jacket on, Jacket off' sound just as convincing 'wax on, wax off'. Elsewhere, Smith stays just the right side of annoying as he glides over some tired western stereotypes with charm and confidence.
All in all, the film does not disappoint and while not as zeitgeist capturing as the original, Karate Kid 2010 at least restores faith in the unstoppable remake wagon.
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